Systems and methods for driver scheduling

ABSTRACT

A system comprising one or more processors and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing computing instructions that, when executed on the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: generating a schedule summary comprising one or more selectable portions of availability for drivers; receiving a selection of an unfilled portion of a respective schedule for a respective driver of the drivers adds the respective driver to a list of respective drivers to be scheduled on the schedule summary displayed on a GUI of an electronic device of a user; receiving one or more selections of the one or more selectable portions of availability of the schedule summary causes one or more changes to occur on the schedule summary displayed on the GUI of the electronic device of the user; and displaying one or more schedules for the drivers. Other embodiments are disclosed herein.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a Continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/163,469, filed on Jan. 31, 2021, which isherewith incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to optimization algorithms and morespecifically to optimization algorithms applied to a scheduling problem.

BACKGROUND

In the past, assigning drivers to vehicles in a vehicle fleet has beencumbersome and slow. Previously, drivers would request a schedule whenthey are available and an administrator would create a schedule fromscratch. This was true even when computer assisted scheduling wasavailable because many previous scheduling algorithms can take hours oreven days to optimize schedules for a vehicle fleet and its associateddrivers. This long computation time for schedule optimizations providedseveral problems. Many times, a resulting optimized schedule becameobsolete before the optimization process can be completed. For example,a driver may become absent due to sickness or a tractor can becomeunavailable due to repairs during an optimization process. This problemwith “stale” schedules can be further complicated when an optimizationis performed on a mobile device with a less powerful processor.Therefore, there is a need for an improved system and method for driverscheduling.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To facilitate further description of the embodiments, the followingdrawings are provided in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front elevational view of a computer system that issuitable for implementing various embodiments of the systems disclosedin FIGS. 3 and 5 ;

FIG. 2 illustrates a representative block diagram of an example of theelements included in the circuit boards inside a chassis of the computersystem of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 illustrates a representative block diagram of a system, accordingto an embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart for a method, according to certainembodiments;

FIG. 5 illustrates a representative block diagram of a portion of thesystem of FIG. 3 , according to an embodiment; and

FIGS. 6-8 illustrate representative GUIs according to some embodiments.

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figuresillustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions anddetails of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoidunnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Additionally, elementsin the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example,the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggeratedrelative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodimentsof the present disclosure. The same reference numerals in differentfigures denote the same elements.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in thedescription and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishingbetween similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particularsequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the termsso used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such thatthe embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operationin sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.Furthermore, the terms “include,” and “have,” and any variationsthereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that aprocess, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises alist of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but mayinclude other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process,method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

The terms “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “over,”“under,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, areused for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describingpermanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms soused are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that theembodiments of the apparatus, methods, and/or articles of manufacturedescribed herein are, for example, capable of operation in otherorientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.

The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “couples,” “coupling,” and the likeshould be broadly understood and refer to connecting two or moreelements mechanically and/or otherwise. Two or more electrical elementsmay be electrically coupled together, but not be mechanically orotherwise coupled together. Coupling may be for any length of time,e.g., permanent or semi-permanent or only for an instant. “Electricalcoupling” and the like should be broadly understood and includeelectrical coupling of all types. The absence of the word “removably,”“removable,” and the like near the word “coupled,” and the like does notmean that the coupling, etc. in question is or is not removable.

As defined herein, two or more elements are “integral” if they arecomprised of the same piece of material. As defined herein, two or moreelements are “non-integral” if each is comprised of a different piece ofmaterial.

As defined herein, “real-time” can, in some embodiments, be defined withrespect to operations carried out as soon as practically possible uponoccurrence of a triggering event. A triggering event can include receiptof data necessary to execute a task or to otherwise process information.Because of delays inherent in transmission and/or in computing speeds,the term “real time” encompasses operations that occur in “near” realtime or somewhat delayed from a triggering event. In a number ofembodiments, “real time” can mean real time less a time delay forprocessing (e.g., determining) and/or transmitting data. The particulartime delay can vary depending on the type and/or amount of the data, theprocessing speeds of the hardware, the transmission capability of thecommunication hardware, the transmission distance, etc. However, in manyembodiments, the time delay can be less than approximately one second,two seconds, five seconds, or ten seconds.

As defined herein, “approximately” can, in some embodiments, mean withinplus or minus ten percent of the stated value. In other embodiments,“approximately” can mean within plus or minus five percent of the statedvalue. In further embodiments, “approximately” can mean within plus orminus three percent of the stated value. In yet other embodiments,“approximately” can mean within plus or minus one percent of the statedvalue.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENTS

A number of embodiments can include a system. The system can include oneor more processors and one or more non-transitory computer-readablestorage devices storing computing instructions. The computinginstructions can be configured to run on the one or more processors andperform acts of receiving a request to generate one or more schedulesfor one or more drivers; determining one or more respective day cabschedules for each respective day cab driver of the one or more drivers;assigning one or more permanent drivers of the one or more drivers toone or more permanent tractors; assigning at least one driver of one ormore remaining drivers of the one or more drivers to at least onetractor using a first set of rules; generating the one or more schedulesfor the one or more drivers; and coordinating displaying the one or moreschedules for the one or more drivers on an electronic device of a user.

Various embodiments include a method. The method can be implemented viaexecution of computing instructions configured to run at one or moreprocessors and configured to be stored at non-transitorycomputer-readable media The method can comprise receiving a request togenerate one or more schedules for one or more drivers; determining oneor more respective day cab schedules for each respective day cab driverof the one or more drivers; assigning one or more permanent drivers ofthe one or more drivers to one or more permanent tractors; assigning atleast one driver of one or more remaining drivers of the one or moredrivers to at least one tractor using a first set of rules; generatingthe one or more schedules for the one or more drivers; and coordinatingdisplaying the one or more schedules for the one or more drivers on anelectronic device of a user.

Several embodiments include a system. A system can include one or moreprocessors and one or more non-transitory computer-readable mediastoring computing instructions that, when executed on the one or moreprocessors, cause the one or more processors to perform certain acts.The acts can include generating a schedule summary comprising one ormore selectable portions of availability for drivers. The acts also caninclude receiving a selection of an unfilled portion of a respectiveschedule for a respective driver of the drivers adds the respectivedriver to a list of respective drivers to be scheduled on the schedulesummary displayed on a GUI of an electronic device of a user. The actsfurther can include receiving one or more selections of the one or moreselectable portions of availability of the schedule summary causes oneor more changes to occur on the schedule summary displayed on the GUI ofthe electronic device of the user. The acts also can include displayingone or more schedules for the drivers on the electronic device of theuser.

A number of embodiments include a method. The method implemented viaexecution of computing instructions configured to run at one or moreprocessors and configured to be stored at non-transitorycomputer-readable media. The method can include generating a schedulesummary comprising one or more selectable portions of availability fordrivers. The method also can include receiving a selection of anunfilled portion of a respective schedule for a respective driver of thedrivers adds the respective driver to a list of respective drivers to bescheduled on the schedule summary displayed on a GUI of an electronicdevice of a user. The method further can include receiving one or moreselections of the one or more selectable portions of availability of theschedule summary causes one or more changes to occur on the schedulesummary displayed on the GUI of the electronic device of the user. Themethod also can include displaying one or more schedules for the driverson the electronic device of the user.

Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of acomputer system 100, all of which or a portion of which can be suitablefor (i) implementing part or all of one or more embodiments of thetechniques, methods, and systems and/or (ii) implementing and/oroperating part or all of one or more embodiments of the memory storagemodules described herein. As an example, a different or separate one ofa chassis 102 (and its internal components) can be suitable forimplementing part or all of one or more embodiments of the techniques,methods, and/or systems described herein. Furthermore, one or moreelements of computer system 100 (e.g., a monitor 106, a keyboard 104,and/or a mouse 110, etc.) also can be appropriate for implementing partor all of one or more embodiments of the techniques, methods, and/orsystems described herein. Computer system 100 can comprise chassis 102containing one or more circuit boards (not shown), a Universal SerialBus (USB) port 112, a Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM) and/orDigital Video Disc (DVD) drive 116, and a hard drive 114. Arepresentative block diagram of the elements included on the circuitboards inside chassis 102 is shown in FIG. 2 . A central processing unit(CPU) 210 in FIG. 2 is coupled to a system bus 214 in FIG. 2 . Invarious embodiments, the architecture of CPU 210 can be compliant withany of a variety of commercially distributed architecture families.

Continuing with FIG. 2 , system bus 214 also is coupled to a memorystorage unit 208, where memory storage unit 208 can comprise (i)non-volatile memory, such as, for example, read only memory (ROM) and/or(ii) volatile memory, such as, for example, random access memory (RAM).The non-volatile memory can be removable and/or non-removablenon-volatile memory. Meanwhile, RAM can include dynamic RAM (DRAM),static RAM (SRAM), etc. Further, ROM can include mask-programmed ROM,programmable ROM (PROM), one-time programmable ROM (OTP), erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasableprogrammable ROM (EEPROM) (e.g., electrically alterable ROM (EAROM)and/or flash memory), etc. In these or other embodiments, memory storageunit 208 can comprise (i) non-transitory memory and/or (ii) transitorymemory.

In many embodiments, all or a portion of memory storage unit 208 can bereferred to as memory storage module(s) and/or memory storage device(s).In various examples, portions of the memory storage module(s) of thevarious embodiments disclosed herein (e.g., portions of the non-volatilememory storage module(s)) can be encoded with a boot code sequencesuitable for restoring computer system 100 (FIG. 1 ) to a functionalstate after a system reset. In addition, portions of the memory storagemodule(s) of the various embodiments disclosed herein (e.g., portions ofthe non-volatile memory storage module(s)) can comprise microcode suchas a Basic Input-Output System (BIOS) operable with computer system 100(FIG. 1 ). In the same or different examples, portions of the memorystorage module(s) of the various embodiments disclosed herein (e.g.,portions of the non-volatile memory storage module(s)) can comprise anoperating system, which can be a software program that manages thehardware and software resources of a computer and/or a computer network.The BIOS can initialize and test components of computer system 100 (FIG.1 ) and load the operating system. Meanwhile, the operating system canperform basic tasks such as, for example, controlling and allocatingmemory, prioritizing the processing of instructions, controlling inputand output devices, facilitating networking, and managing files.Exemplary operating systems can comprise one of the following: (i)Microsoft® Windows® operating system (OS) by Microsoft Corp. of Redmond,Washington, United States of America, (ii) Mac® OS X by Apple Inc. ofCupertino, California, United States of America, (iii) UNIX® OS, and(iv) Linux® OS. Further exemplary operating systems can comprise one ofthe following: (i) the iOS® operating system by Apple Inc. of Cupertino,California, United States of America, (ii) the Blackberry® operatingsystem by Research In Motion (RIM) of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, (iii)the WebOS operating system by LG Electronics of Seoul, South Korea, (iv)the Android™ operating system developed by Google, of Mountain View,California, United States of America, (v) the Windows Mobile™ operatingsystem by Microsoft Corp. of Redmond, Washington, United States ofAmerica, or (vi) the Symbian™ operating system by Accenture PLC ofDublin, Ireland.

As used herein, “processor” and/or “processing module” means any type ofcomputational circuit, such as but not limited to a microprocessor, amicrocontroller, a controller, a complex instruction set computing(CISC) microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing (RISC)microprocessor, a very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, agraphics processor, a digital signal processor, or any other type ofprocessor or processing circuit capable of performing the desiredfunctions. In some examples, the one or more processing modules of thevarious embodiments disclosed herein can comprise CPU 210.

Alternatively, or in addition to, the systems and procedures describedherein can be implemented in hardware, or a combination of hardware,software, and/or firmware. For example, one or more application specificintegrated circuits (ASICs) can be programmed to carry out one or moreof the systems and procedures described herein. For example, one or moreof the programs and/or executable program components described hereincan be implemented in one or more ASICs. In many embodiments, anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC) can comprise one or moreprocessors or microprocessors and/or memory blocks or memory storage.

In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 2 , various I/O devices such as adisk controller 204, a graphics adapter 224, a video controller 202, akeyboard adapter 226, a mouse adapter 206, a network adapter 220, andother I/O devices 222 can be coupled to system bus 214. Keyboard adapter226 and mouse adapter 206 are coupled to keyboard 104 (FIGS. 1-2 ) andmouse 110 (FIGS. 1-2 ), respectively, of computer system 100 (FIG. 1 ).While graphics adapter 224 and video controller 202 are indicated asdistinct units in FIG. 2 , video controller 202 can be integrated intographics adapter 224, or vice versa in other embodiments. Videocontroller 202 is suitable for monitor 106 (FIGS. 1-2 ) to displayimages on a screen 108 (FIG. 1 ) of computer system 100 (FIG. 1 ). Diskcontroller 204 can control hard drive 114 (FIGS. 1-2 ), USB port 112(FIGS. 1-2 ), and CD-ROM drive 116 (FIGS. 1-2 ). In other embodiments,distinct units can be used to control each of these devices separately.

Network adapter 220 can be suitable to connect computer system 100 (FIG.1 ) to a computer network by wired communication (e.g., a wired networkadapter) and/or wireless communication (e.g., a wireless networkadapter). In some embodiments, network adapter 220 can be plugged orcoupled to an expansion port (not shown) in computer system 100 (FIG. 1). In other embodiments, network adapter 220 can be built into computersystem 100 (FIG. 1 ). For example, network adapter 220 can be built intocomputer system 100 (FIG. 1 ) by being integrated into the motherboardchipset (not shown), or implemented via one or more dedicatedcommunication chips (not shown), connected through a PCI (peripheralcomponent interconnector) or a PCI express bus of computer system 100(FIG. 1 ) or USB port 112 (FIG. 1 ).

Returning now to FIG. 1 , although many other components of computersystem 100 are not shown, such components and their interconnection arewell known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, furtherdetails concerning the construction and composition of computer system100 and the circuit boards inside chassis 102 are not discussed herein.

Meanwhile, when computer system 100 is running, program instructions(e.g., computer instructions) stored on one or more of the memorystorage module(s) of the various embodiments disclosed herein can beexecuted by CPU 210 (FIG. 2 ). At least a portion of the programinstructions, stored on these devices, can be suitable for carrying outat least part of the techniques and methods described herein.

Further, although computer system 100 is illustrated as a desktopcomputer in FIG. 1 , there can be examples where computer system 100 maytake a different form factor while still having functional elementssimilar to those described for computer system 100. In some embodiments,computer system 100 may comprise a single computer, a single server, ora cluster or collection of computers or servers, or a cloud of computersor servers. Typically, a cluster or collection of servers can be usedwhen the demand on computer system 100 exceeds the reasonable capabilityof a single server or computer. In certain embodiments, computer system100 may comprise a portable computer, such as a laptop computer. Incertain other embodiments, computer system 100 may comprise a mobileelectronic device, such as a smartphone. In certain additionalembodiments, computer system 100 may comprise an embedded system.

Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of asystem 300 that can be employed for scheduling drivers, as described ingreater detail below. System 300 is merely exemplary and embodiments ofthe system are not limited to the embodiments presented herein. System300 can be employed in many different embodiments or examples notspecifically depicted or described herein. In some embodiments, certainelements or modules of system 300 can perform various procedures,processes, and/or activities. In these or other embodiments, theprocedures, processes, and/or activities can be performed by othersuitable elements or modules of system 300.

Generally, therefore, system 300 can be implemented with hardware and/orsoftware, as described herein. In some embodiments, part or all of thehardware and/or software can be conventional, while in these or otherembodiments, part or all of the hardware and/or software can becustomized (e.g., optimized) for implementing part or all of thefunctionality of system 300 described herein.

In some embodiments, system 300 can include a web server 310. Web server310 can each be a computer system, such as computer system 100 (FIG. 1), as described above, and can each be a single computer, a singleserver, or a cluster or collection of computers or servers, or a cloudof computers or servers. In another embodiment, a single computer systemcan host each of two or more of web server 310. Additional detailsregarding web server 310 are described herein.

In many embodiments, system 300 also can comprise user computers 330,331. In other embodiments, user computers 330, 331 are external tosystem 300. User computers 330, 331 can comprise any of the elementsdescribed in relation to computer system 100. In some embodiments, usercomputers 330, 331 can be mobile devices. A mobile electronic device canrefer to a portable electronic device (e.g., an electronic device easilyconveyable by hand by a person of average size) with the capability topresent audio and/or visual data (e.g., text, images, videos, music,etc.). For example, a mobile electronic device can comprise at least oneof a digital media player, a cellular telephone (e.g., a smartphone), apersonal digital assistant, a handheld digital computer device (e.g., atablet personal computer device), a laptop computer device (e.g., anotebook computer device, a netbook computer device), a wearable usercomputer device, or another portable computer device with the capabilityto present audio and/or visual data (e.g., images, videos, music, etc.).Thus, in many examples, a mobile electronic device can comprise a volumeand/or weight sufficiently small as to permit the mobile electronicdevice to be easily conveyable by hand. For examples, in someembodiments, a mobile electronic device can occupy a volume of less thanor equal to approximately 1790 cubic centimeters, 2434 cubiccentimeters, 2876 cubic centimeters, 4056 cubic centimeters, and/or 5752cubic centimeters. Further, in these embodiments, a mobile electronicdevice can weigh less than or equal to 15.6 Newtons, 17.8 Newtons, 22.3Newtons, 31.2 Newtons, and/or 44.5 Newtons. In various embodiments, usercomputers 330, 331 can comprise a display that is smaller than monitor106 (FIG. 1 ), thereby facilitating mobility.

Exemplary mobile electronic devices can comprise (i) an iPod®, iPhone®,iTouch®, iPad®, MacBook® or similar product by Apple Inc. of Cupertino,California, United States of America, (ii) a Blackberry® or similarproduct by Research in Motion (RIM) of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, (iii)a Lumia® or similar product by the Nokia Corporation of Keilaniemi,Espoo, Finland, and/or (iv) a Galaxy™ or similar product by the SamsungGroup of Samsung Town, Seoul, South Korea. Further, in the same ordifferent embodiments, a mobile electronic device can comprise anelectronic device configured to implement one or more of (i) the iPhone®operating system by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, California, United Statesof America, (ii) the Blackberry® operating system by Research In Motion(RIM) of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, (iii) the Palm® operating system byPalm, Inc. of Sunnyvale, California, United States, (iv) the Android™operating system developed by the Open Handset Alliance, (v) the WindowsMobile™ operating system by Microsoft Corp. of Redmond, Washington,United States of America, or (vi) the Symbian™ operating system by NokiaCorp. of Keilaniemi, Espoo, Finland.

Further still, the term “wearable user computer device” as used hereincan refer to an electronic device with the capability to present audioand/or visual data (e.g., text, images, videos, music, etc.) that isconfigured to be worn by a user and/or mountable (e.g., fixed) on theuser of the wearable user computer device (e.g., sometimes under or overclothing; and/or sometimes integrated with and/or as clothing and/oranother accessory, such as, for example, a hat, eyeglasses, a wristwatch, shoes, etc.). In many examples, a wearable user computer devicecan comprise a mobile electronic device, and vice versa. However, awearable user computer device does not necessarily comprise a mobileelectronic device, and vice versa.

In specific examples, a wearable user computer device can comprise ahead mountable wearable user computer device (e.g., one or more headmountable displays, one or more eyeglasses, one or more contact lenses,one or more retinal displays, etc.) or a limb mountable wearable usercomputer device (e.g., a smart watch). In these examples, a headmountable wearable user computer device can be mountable in closeproximity to one or both eyes of a user of the head mountable wearableuser computer device and/or vectored in alignment with a field of viewof the user.

In more specific examples, a head mountable wearable user computerdevice can comprise (i) Google Glass™ product or a similar product byGoogle Inc. of Menlo Park, California, United States of America; (ii)the Eye Tap™ product, the Laser Eye Tap™ product, or a similar productby ePI Lab of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and/or (iii) the Raptyr™product, the STAR 1200™ product, the Vuzix Smart Glasses M100™ product,or a similar product by Vuzix Corporation of Rochester, New York, UnitedStates of America. In other specific examples, a head mountable wearableuser computer device can comprise the Virtual Retinal Display™ product,or similar product by the University of Washington of Seattle,Washington, United States of America. Meanwhile, in further specificexamples, a limb mountable wearable user computer device can comprisethe iWatch™ product, or similar product by Apple Inc. of Cupertino,California, United States of America, the Galaxy Gear or similar productof Samsung Group of Samsung Town, Seoul, South Korea, the Moto 360product or similar product of Motorola of Schaumburg, Illinois, UnitedStates of America, and/or the Zip™ product, One™ product, Flex™ product,Charge™ product, Surge™ product, or similar product by Fitbit Inc. ofSan Francisco, California, United States of America.

In many embodiments, user computers 330, 331 can comprise vehicle (e.g.,car, truck, motorcycle, boat, airplane, bicycle, tricycle etc.)computers. In these or other embodiments, vehicle computers can becoupled to one or more vehicles. For example, vehicle computers can bemounted on a frame of the vehicle and/or be integral with one or morecomponents of the vehicle. In various embodiments, a vehicle computercan comprise a mobile computer that is in data communication (e.g.,wired and/or wireless) with a vehicle and/or one or more components of avehicle. In these or other embodiments, vehicle computers can beconfigured to run one or more commands on the one or more vehicles. Forexample, a vehicle computer can be configured to increase or decrease athrottle, engage a break (where available), generate various displaysdisclosed herein (e.g, GUIs 350-352) on one or more vehicle displays,steer the vehicle, open/close one or more hatches, etc. In someembodiments, the vehicles can be autonomous and/or semi-autonomous.

In many embodiments, system 300 can comprise GUI 350, 351, 352. In thesame or different embodiments, GUI 350, 351, 352 can be part of and/ordisplayed by user computers 330, 331, which also can be part of system300. In some embodiments, GUI 350, 351, 352 can comprise text and/orgraphics (images) based user interfaces. In the same or differentembodiments, GUI 350, 351, 352 can comprise a heads-up display (“HUD”).When GUI 350, 351, 352 comprises a HUD, GUI 350, 351, 352 can beprojected onto a medium (e.g., glass, plastic, etc.), displayed inmidair as a hologram, or displayed on a display (e.g., monitor 106 (FIG.1 )). In various embodiments, GUI 350, 351, 352 can be color, black andwhite, and/or greyscale. In many embodiments, GUI 350, 351, 352 cancomprise an application running on a computer system, such as computersystem 100 (FIG. 1 ), user computers 330, 331, and/or web server 310. Inthe same or different embodiments, GUI 350, 351, 352 can comprise awebsite accessed through internet 320. In some embodiments, GUI 350,351, 352 can comprise an eCommerce website. In these or otherembodiments, GUI 352 can comprise an administrative (e.g., back end) GUIallowing an administrator to modify and/or change one or more settingsin system 300. In the same or different embodiments, GUI 350, 351, 352can be displayed as or on a virtual reality (VR) and/or augmentedreality (AR) system or display. In some embodiments, an interaction witha GUI can comprise a click, a look, a selection, a grab, a view, apurchase, a bid, a swipe, a pinch, a reverse pinch, etc. In manyembodiments, GUI 350, 351, 352 can comprise one or more GUI elements. Inthese or other embodiments, a GUI element can comprise a customizableportion of a GUI (e.g., a button, a text entry box, a hyperlink, animage, a text block, etc.). In various embodiments, a GUI element can beselectable by a user 340, 341 and/or interactive.

In some embodiments, web server 310 can be in data communication throughInternet 320 with user computers 330, 331. In certain embodiments, usercomputers 330, 331 can be desktop computers, laptop computers, smartphones, tablet devices, and/or other endpoint devices. Web server 310can host one or more websites. For example, web server 310 can host aneCommerce website that allows users to browse and/or search forproducts, to add products to an electronic shopping cart, and/or topurchase products, in addition to other suitable activities.

In many embodiments, web server 310 and user computers 330, 331 can eachcomprise one or more input devices (e.g., one or more keyboards, one ormore keypads, one or more pointing devices such as a computer mouse orcomputer mice, one or more touchscreen displays, a microphone, etc.),and/or can each comprise one or more display devices (e.g., one or moremonitors, one or more touch screen displays, projectors, etc.). In theseor other embodiments, one or more of the input device(s) can be similaror identical to keyboard 104 (FIG. 1 ) and/or a mouse 110 (FIG. 1 ).Further, one or more of the display device(s) can be similar oridentical to monitor 106 (FIG. 1 ) and/or screen 108 (FIG. 1 ). Theinput device(s) and the display device(s) can be coupled to theprocessing module(s) and/or the memory storage module(s) of web server310 and/or user computers 330, 331 in a wired manner and/or a wirelessmanner, and the coupling can be direct and/or indirect, as well aslocally and/or remotely. As an example of an indirect manner (which mayor may not also be a remote manner), a keyboard-video-mouse (KVM) switchcan be used to couple the input device(s) and the display device(s) tothe processing module(s) and/or the memory storage module(s). In someembodiments, the KVM switch also can be part of web server 310 and/oruser computers 330, 331. In a similar manner, the processing module(s)and the memory storage module(s) can be local and/or remote to eachother.

In many embodiments, web server 310 and/or user computers 330, 331 canbe configured to communicate with one another. In various embodiments,web server 310 and/or user computers 330, 331 can communicate orinterface (e.g., interact) with each other through a network or internet320. In these or other embodiments, internet 320 can be an intranet thatis not open to the public. In further embodiments, Internet 320 can be amesh network of individual systems. Accordingly, in many embodiments,web server 310 (and/or the software used by such systems) can refer to aback end of system 300 operated by administrator of system 300, and usercomputers 330, 331 (and/or the software used by such systems) can referto a front end of system 300 used by one or more users 340, 341,respectively. In some embodiments, users 340, 341 can also be referredto as drivers, in which case, user computers 330, 331 can be referred toas driver computers. In these or other embodiments, the administrator ofsystem 300 can manage system 300, the processing module(s) of system300, and/or the memory storage module(s) of system 300 using the inputdevice(s) and/or display device(s) of system 300.

Meanwhile, in many embodiments, web server 310 and/or user computers330, 331 can also be configured to communicate with one or moredatabases. In various embodiments, one or more databases can comprise amanagement database that contains information about drivers, vehicles(i.e. tractors), or routes traveled by the drivers or the vehicles(e.g., availability status, classification, past and future schedules,etc.). In many embodiments, information in the database can be tied to aunique identifier (e.g., an IP address, driver ID, device ID, tractor IDetc.) and/or a user account. In embodiments where a user 340, 341interacts with GUIs 350, 351 before logging into a user account, datastored in the one or more database that is associated with a uniqueidentifier can be merged with and/or associated with data associatedwith the user account.

In many embodiments, one or more databases can be stored on one or morememory storage modules (e.g., non-transitory memory storage module(s)),which can be similar or identical to the one or more memory storagemodule(s) (e.g., non-transitory memory storage module(s)) describedabove with respect to computer system 100 (FIG. 1 ). In someembodiments, for any particular database of the one or more databases,that particular database can be stored on a single memory storage moduleof the memory storage module(s), and/or the non-transitory memorystorage module(s) storing the one or more databases or the contents ofthat particular database can be spread across multiple ones of thememory storage module(s) and/or non-transitory memory storage module(s)storing the one or more databases, depending on the size of theparticular database and/or the storage capacity of the memory storagemodule(s) and/or non-transitory memory storage module(s). In variousembodiments, databases can be stored in a cache (e.g., MegaCache) forimmediate retrieval on-demand.

In many embodiments, one or more databases can each comprise astructured (e.g., indexed) collection of data and can be managed by anysuitable database management systems configured to define, create,query, organize, update, and manage database(s). Exemplary databasemanagement systems can include MySQL (Structured Query Language)Database, PostgreSQL Database, Microsoft SQL Server Database, OracleDatabase, SAP (Systems, Applications, & Products) Database, IBM DB2Database, and/or NoSQL Database.

Meanwhile, communication between web server 310, user computers 330,331, and/or the one or more databases can be implemented using anysuitable manner of wired and/or wireless communication. Accordingly,system 300 can comprise any software and/or hardware componentsconfigured to implement the wired and/or wireless communication.Further, the wired and/or wireless communication can be implementedusing any one or any combination of wired and/or wireless communicationnetwork topologies (e.g., ring, line, tree, bus, mesh, star, daisychain, hybrid, etc.) and/or protocols (e.g., personal area network (PAN)protocol(s), local area network (LAN) protocol(s), wide area network(WAN) protocol(s), cellular network protocol(s), powerline networkprotocol(s), etc.). Exemplary PAN protocol(s) can comprise Bluetooth,Zigbee, Wireless Universal Serial Bus (USB), Z-Wave, etc.; exemplary LANand/or WAN protocol(s) can comprise Institute of Electrical andElectronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.3 (also known as Ethernet), IEEE 802.11(also known as WiFi), etc.; and exemplary wireless cellular networkprotocol(s) can comprise Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM),General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Code Division Multiple Access(CDMA), Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO), Enhanced Data Rates for GSMEvolution (EDGE), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS),Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT), Digital AMPS(IS-136/Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA)), Integrated DigitalEnhanced Network (iDEN), Evolved High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA+),Long-Term Evolution (LTE), WiMAX, etc. The specific communicationsoftware and/or hardware implemented can depend on the networktopologies and/or protocols implemented, and vice versa. In manyembodiments, exemplary communication hardware can comprise wiredcommunication hardware including, for example, one or more data buses,such as, for example, universal serial bus(es), one or more networkingcables, such as, for example, coaxial cable(s), optical fiber cable(s),and/or twisted pair cable(s), any other suitable data cable, etc.Further exemplary communication hardware can comprise wirelesscommunication hardware including, for example, one or more radiotransceivers, one or more infrared transceivers, etc. Additionalexemplary communication hardware can comprise one or more networkingcomponents (e.g., modulator-demodulator components, gateway components,etc.).

In many embodiments, the techniques described herein can provide apractical application and several technological improvements. In someembodiments, the techniques described herein can provide for an improvedscheduling system. These techniques described herein can provide asignificant improvement over conventional approaches of schedulingdrivers, such using an integer programming model. In many embodiments,the techniques described herein can beneficially make determinationsbased on dynamic information that describes current conditions and/orconditions that have occurred during the same day a driver is scheduledto operate a tractor. In this way, the techniques described herein canavoid problems with stale and/or outdated schedules by continuallyupdating.

In a number of embodiments, the techniques described herein canadvantageously provide an improved ability for an administrator toschedule drivers by allowing an optimization process to be run on amobile device with reduced screen size and processing power or a smallerportion of a system's cloud computing infrastructure. For example,linear programming optimization logics described herein (e.g., rollinghorizon optimization with column generation) provide coarseroptimization logics than conventional scheduling systems. For example,using an integer programming model can cause an optimization ofschedules to take hours, while a linear programming model can optimizeschedules in minutes or seconds. In this way, optimization of largedatasets (e.g., updating or re-optimizing a schedule with one or morenew drivers) can be completed using minimal computational power and at areasonable speed (e.g., before a re-optimized schedule becomesobsolete). Further, this reduction in processing time can allow thetechniques described herein to be used continuously at a scale thatcannot be reasonably performed using the human mind or even prior artoptimization techniques. For example, linear programming optimizationlogics described herein (e.g., rolling horizon optimization with columngeneration) can consider datasets that are too large and complex to beoptimized manually, thereby avoiding a resulting schedule from becomingobsolete before it can be implemented.

Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart for amethod 400, according to an embodiment. Method 400 is merely exemplaryand is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. Method 400 canbe employed in many different embodiments or examples not specificallydepicted or described herein.

In some embodiments, the activities of method 400 can be performed inthe order presented. In other embodiments, the activities of method 400can be performed in any suitable order. In still other embodiments, oneor more of the activities of method 400 can be combined or skipped. Inmany embodiments, system 300 (FIG. 3 ) can be suitable to perform method400 and/or one or more of the activities of method 400. In these orother embodiments, one or more of the activities of method 400 can beimplemented as one or more computer instructions configured to run atone or more processing modules and configured to be stored at one ormore non-transitory memory storage modules. Such non-transitory memorystorage modules can be part of a computer system such as web server 310(FIG. 3 ), and/or user computers 330, 331 (FIG. 3 ). The processingmodule(s) can be similar or identical to the processing module(s)described above with respect to computer system 100 (FIG. 1 ).

In many embodiments, method 400 can comprise an activity 401 ofreceiving a request to generate schedules. A request to generate aschedule can be received from a number of different systems.

In various embodiments, a request can be received from a user device340, 341 (FIG. 3 ) (e.g., a driver electronic device and/or a vehicleelectronic device as described above). In these embodiments, a requestcan be entered into a request GUI on the user electronic device. Arequest GUI can allow a user to make a scheduling request whileindicating several constraints on the request. For example, the user canspecify a time and/or a date where they are available for scheduling,request past schedules, request specific vehicles, request time off,etc.

In various embodiments, a request can be received from an administratordevice (e.g., a device with access to web server 310 (FIG. 3 ) or webserver 310 itself). In some embodiments, a request from an administratordevice can be a request for system 300 (FIG. 3 ) to generate one or moreschedules as described herein. In many embodiments, a request from anadministrator device can be accompanied by a number of constraints. Forexample, an administrator can specify which drivers and tractors hewants to schedule, what tractors he wants to schedule, and the type ofscheduling algorithm used.

Turning ahead in the figures, FIG. 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of aGUI 600 for selecting a driver to schedule. In many embodiments, GUI 600can comprise filter selector 610, schedule summary 620, and driverdetails 630. In various embodiments, filter selector 610 can beconfigured to filter drivers displayed in schedule summary 620 based onvarious constraints set by an administrator. For example, anadministrator can filter by availability, driver classification, driverID, driver name, etc. In these or other embodiments, two or more filterscan be applied via filter selector 610. In some embodiments, schedulesummary 620 can show each driver's schedule as a row with a uniquedriver ID label. In many embodiments, a driver's schedule can compriseone or more selectable portions for each block of availability submittedby the driver via a driver device. Each selectable portion can belabeled to show whether it has been filled or is unfilled (e.g.,“NEED”). In embodiments where a selectable portion is filled, acorresponding tractor ID the driver is assigned to can be used to labelthe selectable portion. Selecting one or more selectable portions cancause various changes in GUI 600.

In many embodiments, selecting an unfilled portion of a driver'sschedule can add the driver to a list of drivers to be scheduled via GUI800 (FIG. 8 ). In these or other embodiments, selecting an unfilledand/or filled portion of a driver's schedule can cause one or moreelements of driver details 630 to be displayed. In these embodiments, acounter indicating a number of drivers selected for optimization can bedisplayed and/or incremented or decremented. In many embodiments, driverdetails 630 can also display a number of details about a driver. Forexample, driver details 630 can display the driver's unique ID, thedriver's name, the driver's classification, and/or the driver'sschedule. In various embodiments, a graphical representation of adriver's schedule can be copied from schedule summary 620 and displayedin driver details 630. A driver's schedule can also be displayed astextual information describing requested times and whether that time isfilled or unfilled.

Turning ahead in the figures, FIG. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of aGUI 700 for selecting a tractor to schedule. In many embodiments, GUI700 can comprise filter selector 710, schedule summary 720, and tractordetails 730. In various embodiments, filter selector 710 can beconfigured to filter tractors displayed in tractor summary 720 based onvarious constraints set by an administrator. For example, anadministrator can filter by availability, tractor classification,tractor ID, etc. In these or other embodiments, two or more filters canbe applied via filter selector 710. In some embodiments, schedulesummary 720 can show each tractor's schedule as a row with a uniquetractor ID label. In many embodiments, a tractor's schedule can compriseone or more selectable portions for each block of availability for thetractor. Each selectable portion can be labeled to show whether it hasbeen filled or is unfilled (e.g., “Available”). In embodiments where aselectable portion is filled, a corresponding driver ID the tractor isassigned to can be used to label the selectable portion. Selecting oneor more selectable portions (either filled or unfilled) can causevarious changes in GUI 700.

In many embodiments, selecting an unfilled and/or filled portion of atractor's schedule can add the tractor to a list of tractors to bescheduled via GUI 800 (FIG. 8 ). In embodiments where at least a portionof a tractor's schedule has been filled, a subsequent schedulingalgorithm can ignore and/or filter out portions of a tractor's schedulewith an assigned driver ID. In these or other embodiments, selecting anunfilled and/or filled portion of a tractor's schedule can cause one ormore elements of tractor details 730 to be displayed. In theseembodiments, a counter indicating a number of tractor selected foroptimization can be displayed and/or incremented or decremented. In manyembodiments, tractor details 730 can also display a number of detailsabout a tractor. For example, tractor details 730 can display thetractor's unique ID, the tractor's classification, and/or the tractor'sschedule. In various embodiments, a graphical representation of atractor's schedule can be copied from schedule summary 720 and displayedin tractor details 730. A tractor's schedule can also be displayed astextual information describing available times and whether that time isfilled or unfilled.

Turning ahead in the figures, FIG. 8 shows an exemplary embodiment of aGUI 800 for initiating schedule generation. In many embodiments, GUI 800can comprise input summary 810, schedule summary 820, configurationpanel 830, and output summary 840. In various embodiments, input summary810 can be configured to display a summary of the input into theschedule generating algorithm. For example, an input summary can displaya domicile being scheduled, dates for the scheduling, a number ofdrivers selected (e.g., via GUI 600 (FIG. 6 )), a number of tractorsselected (e.g., via GUI 700 (FIG. 7 )), a number of drivers needing tobe rescheduled, and/or a number of tractors needing to be rescheduled.In some embodiments, GUI 800 can comprise a filter selector. A filterselector can be configured to, when selected, display a filtering panelsimilar to filter selector 610 (FIG. 6 ) and filter selector 710 (FIG. 7). In some embodiments, schedule summary 820 can show each driver'sschedule as a row with a unique driver ID label. In various embodiments,schedule summary 820 can show a current iteration of a schedule for oneor more drivers and can be updated when a new scheduling process iscompleted. In many embodiments, a driver's schedule can comprise one ormore selectable portions for each scheduled block of availability forthe driver. Selecting one or more selectable portions can cause variouschanges in GUI 800.

In many embodiments, selecting an unfilled portion of a driver'sschedule on schedule summary 820 can add the driver to a list of driversto be scheduled via configuration panel 830. In these or otherembodiments, selecting portion of a driver's schedule (either filled orunfilled) can cause one or more elements of schedule summary 810 to bedisplayed or changed. For example, a counter indicating a number ofdrivers selected for optimization can be displayed, incremented, ordecremented. In many embodiments, selecting a portion of a driver'sschedule (either filled or unfilled) can also cause configuration panel830 to display a number of details about a driver. For example,configuration panel 830 can display the driver's unique ID, the driver'sname, the driver's classification, and/or the driver's schedule.

In many embodiments, GUI 800 can comprise a configuration panel 830. Inthese or other embodiments, configuration panel 830 can be configured toallow an administrator to configure one or more parameters of a scheduleoptimization algorithm described in activities 402-411 (FIG. 4 ). Forexample, configuration panel 830 can allow schedules to be determinedfor a single driver or as a batch (e.g., for multiple drivers). In someembodiments, a start time adjustment panel can be displayed for one ormore drivers. In these embodiments, the start time adjustment panel canbe configured to allow availability times for a driver submitted inactivity 401 (FIG. 4 ) to be adjusted by a specific number of hours. Forexample, a driver may need a set amount of their availability to preparea specific tractor, attend training at a domicile, speak with anadministrator, etc. In many embodiments, configuration panel 830 candisplay one or more optimized choices to an administrator after anoptimization algorithm has begun and/or after the optimization algorithmhas finished. For example, if the algorithm determines that twoassignments for a driver are approximately equal, then configurationpanel 830 can display one or more selectable elements allowing anadministrator to make a final assignment. In these or other embodiments,configuration panel 830 can be configured to commit a driver's scheduleto a schedule database (e.g., driver management system (“DMS”)). Forexample, when an administrator selects the “Assign to WTMS” button onconfiguration panel 830, a driver's schedule can be committed to adriver management system.

Returning now to FIG. 4 , in many embodiments, method 400 can comprisean activity 402 of determining one or more day cab schedules. In someembodiments, activity 402 can be performed before activities 407-411 sothat potentially computationally intense activities (e.g., rollinghorizon optimization with or without column generation) can be performedaccurately and more efficiently. In various embodiments, one or more daycab schedules can be made for a day cab classification of drivers. Inthese or other embodiments, a driver can be classified as a day cabdriver when the driver has a domicile. For example, a day cab driver'sdomicile can be the driver's living quarters, a warehouse, jobsite,and/or brick and mortar store. In many embodiments, a day cab driver canbe required to return to his domicile at an end of their scheduledperiod. In various embodiments, one or more day cab schedules can alsobe made for a day cab classification of tractors. In these or otherembodiments, a tractor can be classified as a day cab tractor when thetractor has a domicile. In these or other embodiments, a day cab tractorcan be classified as such because it does not have sleeping quarters fora driver. For example, a day cab tractor's domicile can be the a fuelingstation, a repair station, a warehouse, a jobsite, and/or abrick-and-mortar store. In many embodiments, a day cab tractor can berequired to return to its domicile at an end of its scheduled period. Inthese or other embodiments, a day cab tractor can be marked as such in

In some embodiments, method 400 can optionally comprise activity 403 ofsegmenting each week. In many embodiments, activity 403 can be performedas a part of or at the same time as activities 402 and/or 403. In theseor other embodiments, a work week submitted by a day cab driver can besegmented into one or more segments. In these or other embodiments,these one or more segments can be displayed on various GUI's describedherein. For example, driver summary 620 (FIG. 6 ) can be populated, atleast in part, with selectable portions representing each of the one ormore segments. In some embodiments, one or more segments can be createdby removing a driver's domicile times. In these or other embodiments, ifa driver is required to be present at the domicile, that time can bemarked as a domicile time. In many embodiments, a domicile time can bedynamically determined (e.g., when a maximum number of hours assigned toone or more tractors has been reached for that driver), prescheduled(e.g., requested off time), and/or scheduled periodically into thefuture (e.g., during recurring off hours).

In some embodiments, method 400 can optionally comprise activity 404 ofassigning each driver during a segment. In various embodiments, activity404 can be performed as a part of or at the same as activities 402and/or 403. In these or other embodiments, one or more day cab driverscan be assigned to one or more day cab tractors. In many embodiments, aday cab tractor can be identified using one or more marks stored in amanagement database. In various embodiments, one or more day cab driverscan be assigned to one or more day cab tractors during a segment ascreated in activity 403. In these or other embodiments, this assignmentcan be displayed on various GUI's described herein. For example, driversummary 620 (FIG. 6 ) and tractor summary 720 (FIG. 7 ) can bepopulated, at least in part, with selectable portions representing eachof the one or more assigned segments. In many embodiments, one or moreday cab drivers are left over and still unassigned to a tractor afteractivity 404 is completed. In these embodiments, any unassigned day cabdrivers can be added to a list of driver's to be optimized in activities407-409 below.

In many embodiments, method 400 can comprise an activity 405 ofassigning one or more permanent drivers. In many embodiments, activity405 can be performed at the same time, after, or before activities402-404. In some embodiments, activity 405 can be performed beforeactivities 407-411 so that potentially computationally intenseactivities (e.g., rolling horizon optimization with or without columngeneration) can be performed accurately and more efficiently. In theseor other embodiments, a driver can be classified as a permanent driverwhen that driver is preferentially assigned to a specific tractor (e.g.,a permanent tractor) when the specific tractor is available. Forexample, a permanent driver may have specialized training for operatinga permanent vehicle or may be familiar with the permanent vehicle'soperational tendencies. In many embodiments, a permanent vehicle may beunavailable. For example, the permanent vehicle can require repairs orbe in use by another driver. In these or other embodiments, acorresponding, unassigned permanent driver can be assigned a tractorusing a set of rules as described in further detail below.

In some embodiments, method 400 can optionally comprise activity 406 ofassigning rotation drivers. In many embodiments, activity 406 can beperformed at the same time, after, or before activities 402-405. In someembodiments, activity 405 can be performed before activities 407-411 sothat potentially computationally intense activities (e.g., rollinghorizon optimization with or without column generation) can be performedaccurately and more efficiently. In these or other embodiments, a drivercan be classified as a rotation driver when they are assigned to a groupof drivers that share specific tractors (e.g., rotation tractors) over aperiod of time. For example, drivers can be assigned to a tractor andoperate the tractor in shifts (e.g., while another driver sleeps in atractor or when another driver is not working). In many embodiments, arotation vehicle may be unavailable. For example, the rotation vehiclecan require repairs or be in use by another driver not in the rotationgroup. In these or other embodiments, a corresponding, unassignedrotation driver can be assigned a tractor using a set of rules asdescribed in further detail below.

In many embodiments, method 400 can comprise an activity 407 ofassigning at least one driver using a first set of rules. In variousembodiments, unassigned and available drivers remaining after one ormore of activities 402-406 can be assigned during activity 407. In theseor other embodiments, a first set of rules can comprise a rollinghorizon optimization. From a high-level overview, a rolling horizonoptimization can be configured to match drivers with tractors startingfrom a beginning point in time (e.g., when the optimization isrequested, or from a specified point in the future) going forward. [ . .. ] In many embodiments, a rolling horizon can be considered a strategyof breaking a larger problem into many smaller problems. In this way,each of the smaller problems can be solved more efficiently than thelarger problem as a whole. For example, a workweek of a driver can spanmultiple days, and a rolling horizon optimization can comprise dividingthe workweek into a plurality of portions. In this embodiment, a portioncan comprise one day. In other words, a rolling horizon optimization canenable to solve a scheduling problem day-by-day. To continue with thisnon-exclusive embodiment, each of the smaller problems can then solvedusing a more complex linear programming technique (e.g., columngeneration).

In many embodiments, a rolling horizon optimization is then repeated ata specified periodicity (e.g., daily). In this way, a rolling horizonoptimization can continually optimize a schedule as new data is receiveddue to dynamic conditions. In many embodiments, each problem extractedin the rolling horizon optimization can be solved using columngeneration. From a high level overview, column generation is anoptimization algorithm that splits each identified problems into atleast two problems: the master problem and the subproblem. In mayembodiments, a master problem can be the original problem with only asubset of variables being considered. In these or other embodiments, asubproblem can a new problem created to identify a new variable thateffects an optimal outcome. In some embodiments, an objective functionof a subproblem can then be configured to reduce a cost of the newvariable with respect to the current dual variables. In manyembodiments, each problem identified can be modeled as a pricingproblem. For example, every column can correspond to a feasibleassignment of a driver's workweek to an available tractor. In thisembodiment, column generation can comprise an optimization algorithmthat iterates between a master solver and a pricing solver. In manyembodiments, a master solver starts with a set of, potentiallyunoptimized workweek assignments (e.g., columns) and determines apricing value associated with each driver and tractor. These columns canthen be passed to a pricing solver to identify are more optimum workweekassignment. In various embodiments, new assignments found by a pricingsolver can represent more efficient (e.g., optimized) columns, and canbe added to a master solver. In these embodiments, a master solver canthen re-solve an original problem with these newly added and optimizedcolumns. In various embodiments, when a master solver finishes running,pricing value associated with each driver and tractor are updated, and apricing solver can use these updated values to find more efficient(e.g., more optimum) columns. In many embodiments, an interactive ofmaster solver to pricing solver can performed many times. In these orother embodiments, column generation as described above can continueuntil no new columns (e.g., more optimum and/or more efficient columns)can be found by a pricing solver.

In many embodiments, column generation can define a column as anassignment of a driver's whole or partial workweek to one or moretractors. In these or other embodiments, column generation can use anobjective function comprising:

min Σ_(j∈Ω)c_(j)x_(j)

In these or other embodiments, c_(j) can comprise a number ofsplit-seats in a column (e.g., a workweek assignment) and j∈Ω and Ω cancomprise a set of all feasible assignments of all drivers' workweeks. Invarious embodiments, a decision variable x_(j) can comprise a binaryvariable that equals 1 when column j is selected in the optimal solutionand 0 when it is not selected. In these or other embodiments, asplit-seat can occur when a workweek is assigned to multiple tractorsand a partial workweek assignment is allowed. In these embodiments, anobjective of the column generation can be to minimize a total number ofsplit-seats for all drivers' workweeks. In this way, minimizingsplit-seat can allow a driver to say with the same tractor throughouthis workweeks.

In some embodiments, method 400 can optionally comprise activity 408 ofexcluding a driver having a short work week. In some embodiments,activity 408 can be performed before or at the same time as activity407. in these or other embodiments, drivers having a short work week canbe excluded from a rolling horizon optimization. In this way, a rollinghorizon optimization can be completed accurately and more efficiently byavoiding non-standard data inputs (e.g., a driver with a non-standardwork week). In many embodiments, a short work week can comprise a driverwith less than a five day work week.

In some embodiments, method 400 can optionally comprise activity 409 ofassigning a driver using a second set of rules. In many embodiments,activity 409 can be performed before or at the same time as activity 407and/or 408. In these or other embodiments, a second set of rules can beat least partially different than a first set of rules. In manyembodiments, a second set of rules can comprise manual scheduling by anadministrator. In this way, drivers with schedules that are non-standard(and therefore poorly adapted for use in a first set of rules) can stillbe assigned while not slowing down or causing errors in a more advancedoptimization algorithm (e.g., rolling horizon optimization with orwithout column generation).

In many embodiments, method 400 can comprise an activity 410 ofgenerating one or more schedules. In various embodiments, schedules canbe generated pursuant to one or more of activities 402-409 as describedabove. In these or other embodiments, schedules can be generated in abatch and/or individually. In some embodiments, a schedule can begenerated using at least a part of a previous schedule. In theseembodiments, a previous schedule can be updated (e.g., re-optimized)based on new and/or altered driver availability. For example, one ormore drivers can notify an administrator that they are suddenlyunavailable or are scheduling vacation time.

In many embodiments, method 400 can comprise an activity 411 ofcoordinating displaying one or more schedules. In many embodiments, oneor more schedules can be displayed on one or more GUIs disclosed herein.For example, GUI 600 (FIG. 6 ), GUI 700 (FIG. 7 ), and/or GUI 800 (FIG.8 ) can be displayed in activity 411. In many embodiments, a schedulefor an individual driver can be displayed on a driver GUI displayed on adriver electronic device (e.g., a request GUI as described in activity401).

Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of asystem 500 that can be employed for driver scheduling. System 500 ismerely exemplary and embodiments of the system are not limited to theembodiments presented herein. System 500 can be employed in manydifferent embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or describedherein. In some embodiments, certain elements or modules of system 500can perform various procedures, processes, and/or activities. In theseor other embodiments, the procedures, processes, and/or activities canbe performed by other suitable elements or modules of system 500.

Generally, therefore, system 500 can be implemented with hardware and/orsoftware, as described herein. In some embodiments, part or all of thehardware and/or software can be conventional, while in these or otherembodiments, part or all of the hardware and/or software can becustomized (e.g., optimized) for implementing part or all of thefunctionality of system 500 described herein.

In many embodiments, system 500 can comprise non-transitory memorystorage module 501. Memory storage module 501 can be referred to asrequest receiving module 501. In many embodiments, request receivingmodule 501 can store computing instructions configured to run on one ormore processing modules and perform one or more acts of method 400 (FIG.4 ) (e.g., activity 401 (FIG. 4 )).

In many embodiments, system 500 can comprise non-transitory memorystorage module 502. Memory storage module 502 can be referred to as daycab scheduling module 502. In many embodiments, day cab schedulingmodule 502 can store computing instructions configured to run on one ormore processing modules and perform one or more acts of method 400 (FIG.4 ) (e.g., activity 402 (FIG. 4 )).

In many embodiments, system 500 can comprise non-transitory memorystorage module 503. Memory storage module 503 can be referred to as weeksegmenting module 503. In many embodiments, week segmenting module 503can store computing instructions configured to run on one or moreprocessing modules and perform one or more acts of method 400 (FIG. 4 )(e.g., activity 403 (FIG. 4 )).

In many embodiments, system 500 can comprise non-transitory memorystorage module 504. Memory storage module 504 can be referred to assegment assigning module 504. In many embodiments, segment assigningmodule 504 can store computing instructions configured to run on one ormore processing modules and perform one or more acts of method 400 (FIG.4 ) (e.g., activity 404 (FIG. 4 )).

In many embodiments, system 500 can comprise non-transitory memorystorage module 505. Memory storage module 505 can be referred to aspermanent driver assigning module 505. In many embodiments, permanentdriver assigning module 505 can store computing instructions configuredto run on one or more processing modules and perform one or more acts ofmethod 400 (FIG. 4 ) (e.g., activity 405 (FIG. 4 )).

In many embodiments, system 500 can comprise non-transitory memorystorage module 506. Memory storage module 506 can be referred to asrotation driver assigning module 506. In many embodiments, driverassigning module 506 can store computing instructions configured to runon one or more processing modules and perform one or more acts of method400 (FIG. 4 ) (e.g., activity 406 (FIG. 4 )).

In many embodiments, system 500 can comprise non-transitory memorystorage module 507. Memory storage module 507 can be referred to asfirst driver assigning module 507. In many embodiments, first driverassigning module 507 can store computing instructions configured to runon one or more processing modules and perform one or more acts of method400 (FIG. 4 ) (e.g., activity 407 (FIG. 4 )).

In many embodiments, system 500 can comprise non-transitory memorystorage module 508. Memory storage module 508 can be referred to asshort work week excluding module 508. In many embodiments, short workweek excluding module 508 can store computing instructions configured torun on one or more processing modules and perform one or more acts ofmethod 400 (FIG. 4 ) (e.g., activity 408 (FIG. 4 )).

In many embodiments, system 500 can comprise non-transitory memorystorage module 509. Memory storage module 509 can be referred to assecond driver assigning module 509. In many embodiments, second driverassigning module 509 can store computing instructions configured to runon one or more processing modules and perform one or more acts of method400 (FIG. 4 ) (e.g., activity 409 (FIG. 4 )).

In many embodiments, system 500 can comprise non-transitory memorystorage module 510. Memory storage module 510 can be referred to asschedule generating module 510. In many embodiments, schedule generatingmodule 510 can store computing instructions configured to run on one ormore processing modules and perform one or more acts of method 400 (FIG.4 ) (e.g., activity 410 (FIG. 4 )).

In many embodiments, system 500 can comprise non-transitory memorystorage module 511. Memory storage module 511 can be referred to asdisplay coordinating module 511. In many embodiments, displaycoordinating module 510 can store computing instructions configured torun on one or more processing modules and perform one or more acts ofmethod 400 (FIG. 4 ) (e.g., activity 411 (FIG. 4 )).

Although systems and methods for scheduling drivers have been describedwith reference to specific embodiments, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes may be made without departingfrom the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosureof embodiments is intended to be illustrative of the scope of thedisclosure and is not intended to be limiting. It is intended that thescope of the disclosure shall be limited only to the extent required bythe appended claims. For example, to one of ordinary skill in the art,it will be readily apparent that any element of FIGS. 1-8 may bemodified, and that the foregoing discussion of certain of theseembodiments does not necessarily represent a complete description of allpossible embodiments. For example, one or more of the procedures,processes, or activities of FIG. 4 may include different procedures,processes, and/or activities and be performed by many different modules,in many different orders.

All elements claimed in any particular claim are essential to theembodiment claimed in that particular claim. Consequently, replacementof one or more claimed elements constitutes reconstruction and notrepair. Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions toproblems have been described with regard to specific embodiments. Thebenefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element or elementsthat may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or becomemore pronounced, however, are not to be construed as critical, required,or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims, unlesssuch benefits, advantages, solutions, or elements are stated in suchclaim.

Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicatedto the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/orlimitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are orare potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations inthe claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: one or more processors; andone or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing computinginstructions that, when executed on the one or more processors, causethe one or more processors to perform operations comprising: generatinga schedule summary comprising one or more selectable portions ofavailability for drivers; receiving a selection of an unfilled portionof a respective schedule for a respective driver of the drivers adds therespective driver to a list of respective drivers to be scheduled on theschedule summary displayed on a GUI of an electronic device of a user;receiving one or more selections of the one or more selectable portionsof availability of the schedule summary causes one or more changes tooccur on the schedule summary displayed on the GUI of the electronicdevice of the user; and displaying one or more schedules for the driverson the electronic device of the user.
 2. The system of claim 1, whereingenerating the schedule summary comprising the one or more selectableportions of availability for drivers comprises: receiving fromrespective driver devices of the drivers, a respective availability ofeach of the drivers, wherein the respective availability comprises arespective time, a respective date, and one or more respectiveconstraints.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the computinginstructions, when executed on the one or more processors, further causethe one or more processors to perform an operation comprising:iteratively assigning at least one driver of one or more remainingdrivers to at least one other tractor, using a first set of rules,wherein: each schedule for each driver of the drivers comprises the oneor more selectable portions for each block of availability submitted byeach driver via a respective driver device; and each schedule for eachdriver of the one or more schedules for the drivers is displayed as arow with a unique driver identification label identifying each driver.4. The system of claim 3, wherein: the one or more selectable portionsof each block of availability on the schedule summary not scheduled arelabeled as unfilled portions; and the one or more selectable portions ofeach block of availability on the schedule summary as scheduled arelabeled as filled portions.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the firstset of rules comprises an integer programming model and linearprogramming optimization.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein displayingone or more schedules for the drivers on the electronic device of theuser further comprises: updating an iteration of the schedule summary asdisplayed on the GUI of the electronic device of the user when a newscheduling process is completed.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein thecomputing instructions, when executed on the one or more processors,further cause the one or more processors to perform an operationcomprising: determining one or more respective day cab schedules foreach respective day cab driver of the drivers comprises: segmenting eachrespective work week of each respective day cab driver of the driversinto one or more segments; and marking one or more day cab vehicles. 8.The system of claim 7, wherein segmenting each respective work week ofeach respective day cab driver comprises: creating the one or moresegments by removing one or more domicile times.
 9. The system of claim8, wherein determining the one or more respective day cab schedulesfurther comprises: assigning each respective day cab driver of thedrivers to a respective marked day cab vehicle of the one or more daycab vehicles for use during the one or more segments.
 10. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the computing instructions, when executed on the one ormore processors, further cause the one or more processors to performoperations comprising: assigning each respective rotation driver of oneor more rotation drivers of the drivers to one or more rotationtractors; and when the one or more rotation tractors are unavailable,assigning each respective rotation driver of the one or more rotationdrivers of the drivers to at least one tractor along with at least onedriver of one or more remaining drivers of the drivers using a first setof rules.
 11. A method implemented via execution of computinginstructions configured to run at one or more processors and configuredto be stored at non-transitory computer-readable media, the methodcomprising: generating a schedule summary comprising one or moreselectable portions of availability for drivers; receiving a selectionof an unfilled portion of a respective schedule for a respective driverof the drivers adds the respective driver to a list of respectivedrivers to be scheduled on the schedule summary displayed on a GUI of anelectronic device of a user; receiving one or more selections of the oneor more selectable portions of availability of the schedule summarycauses one or more changes to occur on the schedule summary displayed onthe GUI of the electronic device of the user; and displaying one or moreschedules for the drivers on the electronic device of the user.
 12. Themethod of claim 11, wherein generating the schedule summary comprisingthe one or more selectable portions of availability for driverscomprises: receiving from respective driver devices of the drivers, arespective availability of each of the drivers, wherein the respectiveavailability comprises a respective time, a respective date, and one ormore respective constraints.
 13. The method of claim 11 furthercomprising: iteratively assigning at least one driver of one or moreremaining drivers to at least one other tractor, using a first set ofrules, wherein: each schedule for each driver of the drivers comprisesthe one or more selectable portions for each block of availabilitysubmitted by each driver via a respective driver device; and eachschedule for each driver of the one or more schedules for the drivers isdisplayed as a row with a unique driver identification label identifyingeach driver.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein: the one or moreselectable portions of each block of availability on the schedulesummary not scheduled are labeled as unfilled portions; and the one ormore selectable portions of each block of availability on the schedulesummary as scheduled are labeled as filled portions.
 15. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the first set of rules comprises an integerprogramming model and linear programming optimization.
 16. The method ofclaim 11, wherein displaying one or more schedules for the drivers onthe electronic device of the user further comprises: updating aniteration of the schedule summary as displayed on the GUI of theelectronic device of the user when a new scheduling process iscompleted.
 17. The method of claim 11 further comprising: determiningone or more respective day cab schedules for each respective day cabdriver of the drivers comprises: segmenting each respective work week ofeach respective day cab driver of the drivers into one or more segments;and marking one or more day cab vehicles.
 18. The method of claim 17,wherein segmenting each respective work week of each respective day cabdriver comprises: creating the one or more segments by removing one ormore domicile times.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein determining theone or more respective day cab schedules further comprises: assigningeach respective day cab driver of the drivers to a respective marked daycab vehicle of the one or more day cab vehicles for use during the oneor more segments.
 20. The method of claim 11 further comprising:assigning each respective rotation driver of one or more rotationdrivers of the drivers to one or more rotation tractors; and when theone or more rotation tractors are unavailable, assigning each respectiverotation driver of the one or more rotation drivers of the drivers to atleast one tractor along with at least one driver of one or moreremaining drivers of the drivers using a first set of rules.